Glossary of terms

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer imperdiet mi quis feugiat convallis. 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer imperdiet mi quis feugiat convallis. nisi.

 

An identity and access management security method that requires two forms of identification to access resources and data. 2FA gives businesses the ability to monitor and help safeguard their most vulnerable information and networks.

The changes requested by a client to Custom Programming after using the system for 30days (may include a change order depending on changes requested)

[NEEDS REVIEW] AC (Alternating Current): A type of electrical current that periodically reverses direction, commonly used in power distribution systems.

Echo occurs when audio from a talker in the far end is received and amplified into the near end listener’s room, with that sound then being picked up by microphones in the near end acoustic space and sent back to the far end. The amount of signal sent back to the far end talker can be substantial, and with the added transmission delay, the result is an echo effect that can seriously compromise communication in a teleconference or videoconference

Active Speaker Tracking : A concise definition is required.

Off without PTO, non project related site visit, holiday, etc

AFF (Above Finished Floor): A measurement indicating the height of an object or installation relative to the finished floor surface.

The final drawing of a job after the design engineer adds any “Red Line” changes (Will be loaded to the room)

A type of communication involving ONLY audio. This would another providing a mic / speaker solution.

A type of communication involving ONLY audio. This would another providing a mic / speaker solution

The method of transmitting digital audio and video signal over standard network switching and routing equipment. Modern AVoIP systems typically include the exchange of additional “control” data (for example, for source selection or power control), USB data (for video conferencing), or even KVM signals. AVoIP solutions are typically very flexible and can be installed over large physical areas using existing data networks and structured cabling.

This is a method for automating the control of sound levels. Often it is used for microphones so that when someone speaks very softly, their voice is still audible, and when they speak very loudly, it doesn’t distort or overwhelm. It can be hardware or software based.

The Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association – a global trade association representing the AV industry. They provide training, certification, standards, and industry data. Formerly known as InfoComm International.

A physical frame or cabinet used to house electronic AV components like amplifiers, receivers, control processors, etc., typically in a structured and organized way to allow cooling and cable management.

Defines the AV-specific equipment, systems, and work being included in a project. May include drawings, specifications, or change orders.

The complete setup of audio-visual components and software configured to deliver a specific AV experience. Includes displays, speakers, microphones, video conferencing units, control panels, etc.

A professional responsible for installing, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting AV equipment.

A recognized credential from AVIXA that verifies a professional’s understanding of AV systems and industry best practices.

Structured cabling that interconnects different telecommunications rooms, typically providing a path for data traffic between floors or buildings.

An audio signal that uses two conductors carrying identical signals but with opposite polarity, along with a ground. This method reduces noise and interference over long cable runs, commonly used in professional audio systems.

The maximum rate of data transfer across a given path. In AV, this can refer to how much video or audio data can be transmitted over a network or cable.

The basic, initial construction of a space before any tenant-specific customization or AV systems are installed. Often referred to in corporate or commercial construction.

The process of comparing the performance, quality, or features of a system or process against industry standards or best practices.

A formal offer or proposal to undertake work or supply goods/services at a specified price. In AV projects, this could include the design, equipment, labor, and installation.

A detailed list of all the materials and components required for an AV system or installation, including part numbers and quantities.

Predefined dates when work cannot be scheduled due to events, holidays, or other restrictions.

Wireless audio transmission over short distances using Bluetooth technology, commonly used for portable speakers and headsets.

A reactive support model where service is provided only when equipment breaks down or malfunctions, as opposed to proactive or managed service models.

A conference call where multiple participants join via a centralized “bridge” system, often used in remote meetings or technical support scenarios.

Refers to audio-visual systems designed for TV, radio, or live-streaming production environments. These systems are often more complex and built for high-quality output.

A digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility, often used by AV designers and engineers to plan system integration within building projects.

The planned or existing route through which AV or network cables will be installed. Can include conduit, trays, or raised flooring systems.

Adjusting the settings of AV equipment (such as projectors, microphones, or displays) to optimize performance for the environment or application.

Pre-programmed positions and settings for PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras, allowing users to quickly switch views with the push of a button.

A type of twisted pair cable used for data and AV signal transmission, such as Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a. Often used for Ethernet, HDBaseT, or AVoIP applications.

A microphone installed in the ceiling to capture audio in a room, often used in conference rooms and classrooms for clean aesthetics and wide audio coverage.

A formal document used to record and authorize changes to the original scope of work, often including cost and schedule impacts.

A control system setting or feature that configures a space for instructional use—typically activating displays, microphones, speakers, and appropriate inputs.

Text displayed on a screen to provide a transcript of spoken dialogue and sound effects, aiding accessibility for the hearing impaired.

AV systems or platforms that are hosted and managed in the cloud rather than on local servers or hardware. Enables remote management, updates, and scalability.

The process of testing and verifying that an AV system is installed correctly and functions as intended. This includes functional testing, calibration, and documentation.

A tube or duct used to protect and route electrical wiring and AV cabling in buildings. May be surface-mounted or embedded in walls/floors.

The central hardware component in an AV control system that receives commands from user interfaces (e.g., touch panels) and sends instructions to AV devices.

A dedicated space where operators manage and monitor AV systems, often used in broadcasting, security, or large-scale conferencing setups.

A leading manufacturer of AV control systems and automation solutions, known for hardware and software that manages displays, audio, lighting, and more.

A one-page product summary document provided by manufacturers, outlining technical specifications, features, and installation guidelines for a particular AV product.

A proprietary audio-over-IP (AoIP) networking protocol developed by Audinate, allowing digital audio signals to be distributed over standard Ethernet networks with low latency.

Direct Current power – a type of electrical current where the flow of electric charge is unidirectional. Common in battery-powered and low-voltage devices.

A logarithmic unit used to measure sound level, gain, or signal strength. Frequently used in AV to quantify audio volume, microphone sensitivity, or amplifier power.

The pre-configured path that audio signals take through a system when no user adjustments are made. Useful in automated or scheduled environments.

A lag in audio or video transmission that can result from signal processing, network traffic, or conversion steps. Must be managed to avoid sync issues.

The use of software or hardware to manipulate audio signals—such as adjusting volume, equalization, echo cancellation, and mixing.

A device or control that adjusts the brightness of lighting. Integrated AV systems often include lighting control for ambiance or energy savings.

A flat-screen output device used to present video content—includes LCD, LED, OLED technologies. Used in meeting rooms, signage, classrooms, and control rooms.

A device that takes one AV input and duplicates it across multiple outputs, maintaining signal strength and quality. Useful for multi-display environments.

Crestron products for simplified digital media switching and presentation systems. DM Lite is a basic extender, while DMPS is a fully integrated presentation switcher.

A real-time image capture device used to display documents or objects on a screen during presentations or lectures.

A small adapter or plug-in device used to connect different ports (e.g., USB to HDMI) or to enable specific AV functionality like wireless screen sharing.

A mounting accessory used to install AV equipment (e.g., microphones, cameras) in ceiling tiles without affecting structural integrity.

Short for Digital Signal Processor. A specialized device that processes audio signals in real time, managing functions like echo cancellation, noise reduction, mixing, and equalization.

A system configuration where two displays operate simultaneously, often showing different content (e.g., one screen for presentation, one for video conferencing participants).

Digital Visual Interface – a video display interface developed to transmit digital video signals. Less common today, replaced by HDMI and DisplayPort in many AV systems.

A type of microphone that uses a moving coil to convert sound into an electrical signal. Known for durability and used in live sound or general-purpose AV applications.

A metadata format provided by display devices to describe their capabilities (e.g., resolution, refresh rate) to a connected source device.

Refers to the path or means of exiting a space. In AV design, cable pathways or equipment cannot block emergency egress routes.

A standardized frame or cabinet for mounting AV hardware components like amplifiers, processors, switches, and power supplies.

A standard networking technology used for wired data transmission. In AV, it’s used for control systems, AVoIP, and device communication.

A system design that automatically switches to a backup or redundant system in case of failure, ensuring continuous AV system operation.

A high-pitched squealing sound caused when a microphone picks up sound from a speaker and re-amplifies it in a loop. Managed through DSP or mic placement.

A cable that transmits data as pulses of light, offering high bandwidth and long-distance transmission without signal degradation. Used in high-end AV installations.

Software programmed into AV hardware devices (e.g., control panels, processors). Firmware updates can add features or fix bugs.

Reinstalling or updating the firmware or operating system of an AV device. Can resolve software issues or improve performance.

A ceiling speaker with wide dispersion and consistent audio coverage, ideal for conference rooms and classrooms.

Describes the size, shape, and physical configuration of a device or piece of equipment—important for mounting or rack installation.

The range of frequencies an audio device can reproduce, usually expressed in hertz (Hz). Determines clarity and quality of audio.

An audio configuration where speakers and microphones are placed at the front of a room, typically where the display or presenter is located.

Crestron Fusion – a software platform used for AV system monitoring, management, and scheduling. Helps IT and facilities teams track system usage and uptime.

A measure of the increase in signal strength, often used with microphones or amplifiers. Too much gain can lead to distortion or feedback.

An audio processor that mutes a microphone unless the sound level exceeds a certain threshold. Helps reduce background noise and open mics.

AV design and installation standards developed by the architecture firm Gensler. These standards ensure consistency, quality, and integration across projects.

A visual interface that allows users to interact with AV systems via buttons, icons, or menus—commonly found on touch panels and tablets.

An electrical issue that causes unwanted noise or hum in AV systems, usually due to multiple grounding paths. Solved through isolation or proper grounding design.

A connectivity standard for transmitting uncompressed video, audio, Ethernet, control, and power over a single Cat cable for up to 100 meters.

A form of digital copy protection developed by Intel to prevent copying of digital audio and video content as it travels across connections like HDMI.

A widely used interface for transmitting high-quality video and audio between AV devices. Common in TVs, projectors, computers, and video switchers.

The ability to remove and replace a component (e.g., USB drive, AV device) while the system remains powered on, without causing disruption.

A small, informal meeting area designed for quick collaboration. Typically equipped with a display, camera, and speaker/mic system for video conferencing.

A meeting format where some participants are in the physical room and others join remotely using conferencing technology.

An AV control feature that automatically switches camera views based on who is speaking or where activity is detected, used in smart conferencing environments.

The resistance to electrical flow in a circuit, important in audio systems for matching speakers and amplifiers to ensure sound quality and system protection.

A wireless communication technology used in AV for remote control of devices like TVs and projectors. Requires line-of-sight between the remote and device.

A wall or table-mounted interface that provides input connections for AV systems—commonly includes HDMI, USB, VGA, audio jacks, and power outlets.

A company or professional responsible for designing, installing, and programming complete AV systems to meet client needs.

A unique identifier assigned to devices on a network. Many AV devices (cameras, control systems, displays) require IP addresses for communication.

A small device that transmits infrared signals to control AV equipment. Often used when AV gear is hidden from direct view.

A short cable used to connect two AV components or to bypass a failed cable. Also used in patch panels and testing.

A device setting that restricts user access to only specific features or applications—commonly used in digital signage or self-service stations.

The delay between an input being made and its corresponding output. Low latency is crucial in live AV systems, video conferencing, and gaming.

A flat-panel display technology used in many AV displays. Known for clarity, energy efficiency, and wide availability.

A display technology that uses individual LEDs to create images. Known for brightness, durability, and energy efficiency—used in digital signage and large-scale video walls.

A standard audio signal level used to transmit audio between components (e.g., from a mixer to an amplifier). Not strong enough to drive speakers directly.

A bundle of cables grouped together, often wrapped with cable ties, sleeves, or tubing, to simplify cable management and installation.

A device that routes multiple AV input sources to multiple output destinations. Common in control rooms, classrooms, and conference centers.

The spatial sensitivity of a microphone—how well it captures sound from different directions. Includes patterns like cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional.

The amount of amplification applied to a microphone’s signal to bring it up to a usable level for processing or output.

A wireless technology used to transmit and receive multiple data signals simultaneously. Improves network speed and stability—beneficial for AV over Wi-Fi.

A wheeled cart that holds displays or AV equipment. Used in flexible spaces like classrooms and healthcare settings for portable presentations.

AV systems designed with interchangeable components that can be swapped or added without major rewiring. Offers flexibility and scalability.

Hardware used to securely attach AV equipment (e.g., displays, speakers, cameras) to walls, ceilings, or furniture.

A single display that shows multiple video sources simultaneously—used in control rooms, broadcast environments, and video walls.

A feature in AV systems that allows one device to mute another automatically. For example, muting speakers when a mic is muted to avoid feedback.

A device that connects multiple AV or IT devices on a local network. Enables communication and data transfer, essential for AV over IP systems.

The background level of noise in an audio system when no signal is present. A low noise floor ensures better sound clarity.

A microphone that picks up sound equally from all directions—useful for roundtable discussions or spaces where the speaker may move.

A microphone mounted from the ceiling, typically used in conference rooms to capture voice without cluttering the table.

A document or drawing listing all electrical panel connections. In AV, it helps determine which circuits power specific AV gear.

A centralized board with ports to connect and manage AV or network cables. Simplifies troubleshooting and reconfiguration.

DC voltage (typically 48V) supplied through a microphone cable to power condenser microphones and other AV gear that requires external power.

Technology that delivers both data and electrical power over a single Ethernet cable—used in AV for powering cameras, touch panels, and other low-voltage devices.

An electronic device that boosts a weak audio signal (e.g., from a microphone) to a higher level suitable for further processing or amplification.

The primary audio feed in a system, typically consisting of the content being broadcast or played through the speakers (e.g., a video’s sound or presenter’s voice).

The distance between a projector and the surface it’s projecting onto. Important for image size, focus, and brightness.

A diagram that shows how equipment will be stacked or mounted in a rack, including spacing, airflow, and cabling considerations.

Construction or engineering drawings marked up by hand to show changes made during installation. These are used to produce final “As-Built” drawings.

An electrically operated switch used in AV systems to control power or signal flow—e.g., turning displays on/off or lowering a screen.

The number of pixels displayed on a screen (e.g., 1920×1080). Higher resolutions mean sharper and clearer images.

An AV configuration where multiple rooms can operate independently or be combined into one larger space with shared AV resources.

An integrated system that manages AV, lighting, HVAC, and other room elements—often operated via touch panels or tablets.

A space that is fully equipped and configured with functioning AV systems, ready for use without additional setup.

A formal contract outlining expected service response times, maintenance schedules, and performance standards for AV support.

A visual representation of how audio and video signals travel through an AV system, from source to destination.

A software-based video conferencing platform (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams) that runs on a computer rather than using a dedicated hardware codec.

The use of ambient sound (typically white or pink noise) to reduce distractions and increase speech privacy in open office spaces.

Any AV component that provides content to be displayed or heard—such as a laptop, media player, or document camera.

The area within a room where sound from speakers is evenly distributed. Proper design avoids dead zones and ensures clear audio throughout.

The amount of time an AV system is operational and functioning correctly. Often used as a performance metric in SLAs.

An interactive interface (typically wall-mounted or tabletop) used to control AV systems, lighting, and room functions.

An audio signal that uses two conductors (signal and ground). More susceptible to interference and noise over long distances compared to balanced audio.

Technology that allows two or more locations to communicate via audio and video in real-time—used in business, education, and telemedicine.

A device that produces a consistent background noise, often used in sound masking or for testing AV audio systems.

An AV solution that enables users to share content to a display from their device (laptop, tablet, phone) without using cables.